The Army Continuing Education System (ACES) is a valuable program that helps U.S. Army soldiers and their families pursue educational goals, advance their careers, and prepare for life beyond the military. Offering resources for college degrees, certifications, career counseling, and more, ACES equips service members with tools to succeed both in and outside the military.
This article covers what ACES is, the benefits it offers, and how soldiers can use the program to achieve their personal and professional objectives.
What is ACES?
The Army Continuing Education System, or ACES, is a comprehensive education support system designed to assist soldiers at every stage of their military careers. ACES provides access to academic and career guidance, college courses, certification programs, and transition resources for soldiers planning for civilian life. Whether a soldier wants to earn a degree, improve technical skills, or gain certifications, ACES offers numerous ways to make educational and career advancement accessible.
Key Programs and Services Offered by ACES
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Tuition Assistance (TA) Program
The Tuition Assistance (TA) Program covers up to 100% of tuition costs for eligible active-duty Army personnel pursuing approved educational courses and programs. Through TA, soldiers can enroll in accredited degree or certification programs at participating institutions without incurring out-of-pocket expenses. With an annual cap of $4,500, TA allows soldiers to earn degrees or certifications that can advance their military careers or prepare them for civilian jobs.
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Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program
The Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program provides funding for soldiers seeking civilian industry-recognized credentials and certifications. CA covers the cost of exams, study materials, and classroom instruction, offering up to $4,000 per year. This program is ideal for soldiers wanting to enhance their skills in areas like IT, healthcare, project management, and more—credentials that are valued in the civilian workforce.
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GoArmyEd
GoArmyEd is the Army’s online portal for managing education benefits, enrollment, and academic records. Through GoArmyEd, soldiers can apply for TA, register for classes, and track their academic progress. The platform streamlines the education process, making it easy to access resources and stay on top of course requirements.
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College Programs and Partnerships
ACES partners with over 2,500 colleges and universities, allowing soldiers to complete degrees or certificates while serving. The program offers distance learning options, night classes, and flexible schedules to accommodate military obligations. These partnerships provide soldiers with access to high-quality education that they can pursue at their own pace.
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Testing Programs
ACES offers various testing programs to help soldiers achieve their educational and career goals. These include:
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST): These exams allow soldiers to earn college credits for knowledge they already have, reducing the time and cost needed to complete a degree.
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT): ACES covers the costs for these exams, which are required for admission into many graduate programs.
- Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT): This test helps soldiers determine the military occupational specialties (MOS) they qualify for, and is often taken by those looking to advance within the Army.
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Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP)
BSEP provides soldiers with courses to improve their math, reading, and writing skills. Many soldiers use BSEP to prepare for the AFCT, as better scores can lead to additional career opportunities. BSEP is particularly beneficial for soldiers who want to advance in their careers but need to strengthen their academic foundation.
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Academic Counseling
Academic counseling is a critical component of ACES, offering personalized guidance on educational goals and career planning. Soldiers can meet with an ACES counselor to discuss degree options, certification programs, and post-military career paths. Counselors help soldiers create educational roadmaps that align with their professional aspirations, military schedules, and personal needs.
How ACES Benefits Soldiers and Their Families
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Enhances Military Careers
For active-duty soldiers, education can be a powerful tool for career advancement. Higher education and certifications can open doors to leadership roles, specialty fields, and even officer positions. Many MOS (Military Occupational Specialties) require specific credentials that ACES can help soldiers obtain, supporting career growth within the Army.
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Eases the Transition to Civilian Life
Transitioning to civilian life after military service can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a new career path. Through ACES, soldiers can build skills and earn certifications that make them competitive in the civilian workforce. The program’s focus on credentialing and academic growth gives soldiers a head start on their post-military careers.
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Supports Military Families
While the primary focus of ACES is on soldiers, the program also benefits military families. Dependents are eligible for specific scholarships and grants, such as the MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts) program, which helps spouses obtain certifications in high-demand fields. These educational opportunities help military families build stable and rewarding careers, even amidst frequent relocations.
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Promotes Lifelong Learning
ACES fosters a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging soldiers to pursue personal and professional growth continuously. By making education accessible, the program supports a mindset of resilience, curiosity, and self-improvement that can be valuable throughout a soldier’s life, whether in military service or civilian roles.
Tips for Making the Most of ACES
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Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your education—whether it’s career advancement, new skills, or a future civilian role. Clear goals can help you choose the best programs and credentials.
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Use Available Resources: Take advantage of counseling, testing programs, and online resources like GoArmyEd to stay organized and on track.
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Balance Military Duties and Education: Juggling service obligations and schoolwork requires good time management. Choose courses that offer flexible schedules, and communicate with instructors if deployments or assignments interfere with your studies.
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Seek Support from Your Chain of Command: Make sure your chain of command is aware of your educational goals. They may be able to offer support, schedule flexibility, or guidance to help you succeed in both your military and academic pursuits.
Final Thoughts
The Army Continuing Education System is a valuable resource that empowers soldiers and their families to achieve academic and career success. By providing access to tuition assistance, credentialing, academic counseling, and more, ACES supports soldiers in realizing their full potential both during and after their military service. For military members looking to advance their careers, prepare for civilian life, or simply expand their knowledge, ACES is a powerful tool that opens doors to a brighter future.
Whether you’re just starting to think about your educational goals or you’re ready to pursue a degree or certification, ACES can help you make those ambitions a reality.
Written By: HelpVet.net
Photo Credit: Canva
